MATCH PREVIEW: ACCRINGTON v POMPEY

Pompey will be aiming for a fifth successive league victory when they visit Accrington on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

An impressive run of form has seen Paul Cook’s side rise up to second place in the League Two table.

They are one point behind early-season pacesetters Plymouth, who travel to Exeter for the Devon derby, which starts at 1pm.

Accrington, like the Blues, lost out in the play-off semi-finals last term, going down to eventual Wembley winners AFC Wimbledon.

John Coleman’s men dramatically beat Doncaster on the opening day, but then failed to collect three points until last weekend’s 2-0 triumph at Notts County.

They have fared better in the EFL Cup, however, seeing off Bradford on penalties and then knocking out Premier League neighbours Burnley to set up a mouth-watering third round trip to West Ham on Wednesday.

But it is the league that is Accrington’s primary concern and they will be keen to move up from their current position of 16th.

Pompey fans will have fond memories of their last visit to Stanley back in March, when Michael Doyle’s stunning strike helped secure a comfortable 3-1 victory.

TEAM NEWS

Drew Talbot (collarbone) and Jack Whatmough (knee) are both still out for Pompey, while Adam Buxton is unlikely to feature against his former club following an ankle problem.

Curtis Main is also a doubt after being substituted against Wycombe with a deep cut to his head.

Shay McCartan is the only player on Accrington’s injury list, with the forward hurting his leg while on international duty with Northern Ireland under-21s.

QUOTES

Read what Paul Cook and Enda Stevens have to say about the game or watch pre-match video content on Pompey PlayerHD.

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall

Pompey: 5 Wins

Accrington: 1 Win

4 Draws

At Accrington

Pompey: 2 Wins

Accrington: 0 Wins

3 Draws

TICKETS

Tickets are no longer available to buy from Pompey, but will be on sale at the Wham Stadium on the day of the game.

MATCH COVERAGE

Pompey PlayerHD subscribers can listen to live commentary from the Wham Stadium from 2pm on Saturday.